Dartford v Braintree

Report

Dartford fell to a third straight defeat at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, as an Aaron Blair brace lead Braintree Town to victory in front of 771 supporters.

To be honest, this would prove to be a difficult evening for the Darts, as the visitors set themselves up to frustrate their hosts in the cold conditions. And, despite battling until the end, Alan Dowson’s side looked a little sluggish and weren’t able to test goalkeeper Jack Sims as often as they’d like.

Unfortunately, what didn’t help matters was the dismissal of Paul Rooney in the 43rd minute, after a clash with Joe Grimwood. Whilst the challenge looked late from a distance, the general consensus was that perhaps a yellow card would have been sufficient.

Before that incident, though, the Dartford number ten actually had the first real opportunity for the hosts. But, his long-distance drive wasn’t of any concern for the Braintree goalkeeper (12).

Both Moussa Diarra (28) and Alex Wall (29) also failed to find the target with good opportunities in what was proving to be a difficult first-half for the Darts. And, only a good save by Jack Sims in the 40th minute prevented Sam Odaudu’s deflected strike from putting the hosts ahead.

As for Braintree, Aaron Blair fired wide of Ryan Sandford’s near post after being put through by Tom Blackwell (14), before Alfie Payne saw his 31st minute shot blocked.

The Paul Rooney incident then occurred, by which point, the Iron seemed to gain an extra head of steam before the break. Matt Ward saw his initial strike saved by Ryan Sandford, before Tom Blackwell’s follow-up was deflected behind for a corner (45+2).

The start of the second forty-five saw Archie Woods try his luck from distance without success (48), before the visitors edged ahead at the other end. A blistering attack involving Matt Ward along the Braintree right-flank was finished off by a neat finish by the lively Aaron Blair (49).

The first substitution of the game went the way of the Iron, as Tom Blackwell left the field to be replaced by Gianni Crichlow (55). That would be followed by John White coming on for Anderson Pinto (90+2) and ex-Dart Marvin Herschel replacing Aaron Blair (90+4).

Alan Dowson, meanwhile, would make his first change in personnel after 65 minutes, with Luke Allen coming on for Lewis Manor. That was followed by Charlie Sheringham and Ollie Box replacing Alex Wall and Archie Woods with ten minutes remaining.

As we return to the action, the visitors begun to thread the ball forward with increasing frequency, as they threatened to overload the Dartford defence. Anderson Pinto couldn’t keep his 63rd minute effort down, before an excellent counter-attack saw the visitors double their advantage…

Gianni Crichlow was the player to get the move started with an excellent run, before releasing Aaron Blair who struck a sweet drive beyond Ryan Sandford (67)

A timely block by Baris Altintop prevented Crichlow from adding a third goal for Braintree (82), before Maxwell Statham stepped up to thwart Crichlow once again two minutes later.

Ryan Sandford was alert to save well in the 90th minute to prevent Aaron Blair from bagging a hat-trick at least, as Joash Nembhard’s performance earned him the Man of The Match award.

The hosts almost pulled a goal back four minutes previously, as Luke Coulson and Ollie Box combined well to set up Charlie Sheringham, but the Braintree defence was alert to the threat of the Dartford number nineteen (86).

So, another disappointing night at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park came to an end. But, Luke Coulson and Co will dust themselves down and be determined to go again on Saturday.

TEAMS

DARTFORD: Ryan Sandford, Sam Odaudu, Baris Altintop, Luke Coulson (c), Alex Wall, Paul Rooney, Lewis Manor, Maxwell Statham, Archie Woods, Joash Nembhard, Moussa Diarra.
SUBSTITUTES: Mitchell Beeney, Luke Allen, Charlie Sheringham, Ollie Box, Jayden Boulton.

BRAINTREE: Jack Sims, Ben Mason, Leon Davies, Ben Watt, Joe Grimwood, Ben Tomkins, Tom Blackwell, Alfie Payne, Aaron Blair, Anderson Pinto, Matt Ward.
SUBSTITUTES: John White, Gianni Crichlow, Marvin Herschel, Josh Blunkett.